THREE ADVENT PEOPLE

Mary and Elijah both were taken up into heaven (see Sir 48:9). They both were used by God to bring about the conversion of a whole nation (see 1 Kgs 18:39). Furthermore, Mary and Elijah both prepared the way of the Lord — Mary as God's mother and Elijah as His prophet (Mt 17:10ff). To be prepared for Christ's Christmas-coming, we need Mary to mother and nurture us. When she visits us, we will feel new life quicken within us and be filled with the Holy Spirit, the only authentic Christmas Spirit (see Lk 1:41).

To be prepared for Christmas, we also need Elijah and John the Baptizer, the new Elijah (Mt 17:13). He will deepen our faith by proclaiming God's Word to us. We will be convicted of our sins. The hearts of fathers will turn back to their sons (Sir 48:10) and all will be reconciled, forgiving, and forgiven. Thus mountains of doubt, unforgiveness, and resentment will be moved and the way of the Lord made straight.

Mary, Elijah, and John the Baptizer are the heart of Advent. Because there can be no true Christmas without Advent, we need to meet these three Advent people soon.

Prayer: Father, may I meet Our Lady of Guadalupe, Elijah, and John this Advent.

Praise: Our Lady of Guadalupe used a peasant and his bishop to convert a continent.

(For a related teaching, order our tape Novena to Mary, Mother of Forgiveness on audio AV 104-1 or video V-104.)

Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from December 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014.†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2013.

The Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Imprimatur agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.